Daily News

Northern Ireland – A third of workers are unhappy

13 January 2014

A third of workers in Northern Ireland are dissatisfied with their current role with 29% setting their sights on a new job in 2014, according to a survey from recruitment firm Reed, reports the Belfast Telegraph.

The survey also indicated that 80% of employees haven't received a pay rise in the past 12 months, with 56% receiving no benefits whatsoever; such as a salary bonus or additional training. With an increase in job opportunities, workers are increasingly looking for another position, according to Reed.

The report also highlighted a shortage of skills, with more than a third (37%) of businesses saying they have a skills gap in their organisation, and 70% stating this gap is having a negative impact on their business.

Employment trends across the UK seem to show that a candidates' market is reappearing, with the number of job opportunities up +28% when compared with a year ago, as the economy continues to improve.

Reed spokesman Tom Lovell said: "Despite lacking rewards, the majority (70%) of employees are satisfied or very satisfied in their current role. As the economy continues to strengthen and job opportunities rise, the competition for quality candidates will increase, and businesses can't afford to lose out.”

"Despite a need to attract and retain talent, many businesses aren't investing in their workforce through pay or their benefits, such as training, and this will impact on the overall satisfaction rating for their workforce," he concluded.

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